DTI对急性脑梗死白质纤维各向异性特征的初步研究

目的:利用磁共振扩散张量成像(DTI)研究健康成人和急性缺血性脑梗死患者大脑白质纤维束各向异性特征。方法:对16例健康志愿者和17例急性脑梗死患者进行T1WI、T2WI、DWI及DTI检查;对DTI数据离线后处理,采用Volume-one 1.64和dTVII-R1软件处理,获得部分各向异性(FA)图及方向编码彩色(DEC)图。对健康志愿者分别在内囊、胼胝体以及半卵圆中心选择兴趣区测量主要白质纤维束的FA值。测量脑梗死患者的梗死区及健侧对应白质区的FA值。结果:FA图和DEC图可显示脑内主要的白质纤维束。正常组不同部位脑白质的FA值不同;大脑半球两侧白质的FA值差异无统计学意义。超急性期脑梗死区白质FA值与对侧相比,可轻度升高或降低;急性期梗死区白质FA值显著低于健侧,差异有统计学意义(t=10.987,P<0.01);急性期梗死区白质FA值下降率与发病时间存在相关关系(相关系数r=0.841,P<0.05)。结论:DTI可显示脑内白质纤维束的走行及分布。FA图及DEC图可以显示梗死区白质纤维束的方向与各向异性的改变程度。急性期脑梗死区FA值下降率随病程延长而增大,该指标可用于反映脑梗死的病程。     

脑缺血性卒中MR扩散张量成像的初步研究

目的利用磁共振扩散张量成像(DTI)及扩散张量纤维束成像(DTT)评价缺血性脑卒中所致皮质脊髓束(CST)损伤程度与运动功能的关系。方法对9例急性期大脑中动脉供血区缺血性脑卒中病人进行常规MR、DTI和DTT检查,对数据进行离线后处理,采用dTV.II软件处理,获得FA图及方向编码彩色图,并重建双侧皮质脊髓束3D纤维束图。对梗死区及健侧相应区域白质进行FA测量。采用Brunnstorm标准判断脑卒中患者患手肌力。结果在脑卒中病人梗死区FA值显著低于健侧,两侧相比差异有显著统计学意义(t=4.570,P<0.001)。病变侧皮质脊髓束表现为受压、变形、移位和中断,皮质脊髓束受累情况与肌力和运动功能的恢复有良好的相关性(rs=0.888,P<0.05)。结论CST损伤严重程度与运动功能的恢复相关,DTI和DTT对观察CST的损害程度、预测恢复程度、指导临床康复治疗具有重要的价值。     

缺血性脑卒中肢体运动功能及皮质脊髓束受损的DTI评价

目的:探讨脑缺血性卒中急性期患者肢体运动功能与皮质脊髓束受损的关系.方法:采用GE 1.5T磁共振成像系统,对9例脑缺血性卒中急性期患者和9例志愿者进行磁共振扩散张量成像(DTI)检查,采用dTV.Ⅱ软件进行处理,显示FA图及彩色FA方向图,并重建患者的双侧皮质脊髓束3D纤维图.Brunnstorm标准判断脑卒中患者患手肌力.结果:卒中患者梗死白质区FA值显著低于健侧,两侧相比差异有显著性意义(t=4.570,P＜0.001),病变侧皮质脊髓束受压、变形、移位、部分断裂,皮质脊髓束受累情况与肌力有相关性(rs=0.888,P＜0.05).结论:脑卒中患者患手皮质脊髓束损伤程度与肌力相关,提示可用于判断康复治疗的预后.3D纤维图可以更立体直观的显示锥体束状况.     

DTI和DTT评估脑缺血性卒中所致运动功能损伤康复的研究

目的 利用磁共振扩散张量成像(DTI)及扩散张量纤维束成像(DTT)评价脑缺血性卒中所致皮质脊髓束(CST)损伤程度及与运动功能的关系.资料与方法 对15例急性期大脑中动脉供血区缺血性脑卒中患者行常规MRI、DTI和DTT检查,对数据进行离线后处理,采用dTV.Ⅱ软件处理,获得各向异性分数(FA)图及方向编码彩色网,并重组双侧CST 3D纤维束图.对梗死区及健侧相应区域白质进行FA测量.采用Brunnstorm标准判断脑卒中患者患手肌力.结果 脑卒中患者梗死区FA值显著低于健侧,两侧相比差异有统计学意义(t=-6.3333,P＜0.0000).病变侧CST表现为受压、变形、移位和中断,CST损伤程度与患手肌力级别经检验呈显著负相关关系(rs=-0.97361,P＜0.0001),CST的损伤情况与运动功能的恢复有良好的相关. 结论 CST损伤严重程度与运动功能的恢复相关,DTI和DTT对观察CST的损害程度、预测恢复程度、指导临床康复治疗具有重要的价值.     

磁共振扩散张量成像(DTI)在诊断中枢神经系统疾病中的应用

目的评价磁共振扩散张量成像(DTI)在诊断中枢系统疾病中的用途。方法 86例临床证实的中枢神经系统疾病患者包括超急性及急性期脑梗死40例,脑肿瘤32例,脑白质疏松7例,多发性硬化4例,脑中毒3例以及作为正常对照的健康志愿者9例均经常规磁共振序列和DWI、DTI检查,对患侧和健侧大脑白质纤维束感兴趣区各向异性分数(FA)值进行定量分析,获得方向编码彩色(DEC)图和黑白各向异性(FA)图,扩散张量纤维束成像(DTI)显示脑白质纤维束走形方向、损伤、受压、移位等情况。结果健康组不同部位的脑白质的FA值不同,但大脑半球两侧的FA值差异无统计学意义。超急性(发病后小于6 h)脑梗死区白质FA值与对侧相比轻度增高或降低,急性期(发病后6～72 h)脑梗死区白质FA值显著减低,FA图为低信号,健侧脑白质为高信号,均有明显差别。良恶性脑肿瘤FA值仅在瘤周水肿区的比较中有统计学差异,FA图肿瘤实质为稍低信号,中心坏死及周围水肿表现为低信号。脑白质病变和正常对照组感兴趣区测量FA值,病变区FA值降低,两组差异有统计学意义。结论 DTI可无创且清晰地显示白质纤维束走行方向及分布情况,对诊断中枢神经系统病变有重要用途。     

急性兔脑缺血模型MR扩散张量成像的实验研究

目的探讨实验性急性兔脑缺血磁共振扩散张量成像(DTI)改变。材料与方法建立兔急性脑缺血模型,常规行T2WI、DWI、DTI检查,测量比较缺血灶和正常对照侧的平均扩散系数(ADC)值、各向异性分数(FA)值,分析彩色FA图和脑白质纤维束示踪图。结果通过比较缺血灶与正常对照侧ADC值和FA值,两者的差别有统计学意义,且病灶侧明显减低。脑白质纤维束示踪图显示病灶白质束表现为缺失、断离、稀疏,邻近白质纤维束受压。结论DTI不仅可以准确评价急性期脑缺血的灰质、白质内水分子扩散各向异性改变的特点,并且脑白质纤维束示踪图可以清楚地显示出病灶远端神经束走向改变及其完整性。本实验通过研究兔急性脑缺血模型的DTI特点,为脑缺血性疾病的研究提供了可靠的动物模型和实验理论依据。     

磁共振弥散张量成像对正常大脑白质纤维束构象的初步研究

目的利用磁共振弥散张量成像(DTI)研究正常成人脑内各部位各向异性程度及正常白质纤维束构象特征.方法对25名正常志愿者进行常规MR及DTI序列检查,重建FA图及三维彩色编码张量图.分别在半卵圆中心、基底节区和大脑脚层面测量主要白质束的FA值.结果DTI显示灰质与白质区各向异性存在显著差异,不同部位的白质纤维束各向异性程度亦不相同,且左右两侧基本对称,重建FA图和三维彩色编码张量图可显示白质内大部分主要的白质纤维束.结论DTI可清晰显示脑内白质纤维束的走行及分布,为了解脑功能与白质通路间关系提供了有力研究手段.     

超急性和急性脑梗死的扩散张量成像研究

目的：探讨扩散张量成像（DTI）技术在超急性和急性脑梗死患者中的临床应用价值。方法：对19例超急性脑梗死、22例急性脑梗死患者行常规颅脑MRI及DTI检查。测量梗死灶中心区、边缘区及对侧镜像区的FA、DCavg值,并得到DWI图、DCavg图、FA图、彩色编码FA图及皮质脊髓束图。结果：DWI图、DCavg图、FA图及彩色编码FA图可清楚显示超急性和急性脑梗死病灶。超急性和急性脑梗死组梗死灶中心区FA值分别为（0.481,0.284）×10-4mm2/s,边缘区FA值分别为（0.473,0.306）×10-4mm2/s,急性脑梗死组梗死灶中心区、边缘区FA值与超急性脑梗死组之间差异有统计学意义。超急性和急性脑梗死组梗死灶中心区DCavg值分别为（4.207,4.924）×10-4mm2/s,边缘区DCavg值分别为（5.805,5.420）×10-4mm2/s,急性脑梗死组梗死灶中心区、边缘区与超急性脑梗死组DCavg值之间差异亦有统计学意义。白质纤维束三维重建显示皮质脊髓束为无受累、部分受累、完全受累,其临床肌力分别表现为无减退、治疗后肌力恢复或大部分恢复、无恢复。结论：DTI技术对超急性和急性脑梗死的诊断、治疗及判断预后具有重要的价值。     

MRI DTI联合血氧水平依赖功能成像在星形细胞瘤术前的研究

目的探讨3.0T磁共振弥散张量成像(DTI)技术联合功能磁共振成像(fMRI)在星形细胞瘤与邻近脑白质纤维束解剖关系术前计划中的作用。方法对22例星形细胞瘤患者术前行常规MRI平扫,增强扫描及DTI技术fMRI检查,原始数据采集后进行图像分析处理,分别获得各项异性图(FA图),彩色编码张量图及脑白质纤维束图,并测定肿瘤的病灶区表观弥散系数(ADC值)及灶周水肿区各项异性分数(FA值)。分析肿瘤与相邻脑白质解剖关系,并对患者手术前后的临床症状进行评价。结果不同级别星形细胞瘤的肿瘤病灶区和灶周水肿区与正常白质区的ADC值和FA值存在差异,有统计学意义(P0.05﹚。白质纤维束可见受压、移位、浸润及破坏三种改变。4例Ⅰ~Ⅱ级星形细胞瘤推移相邻脑白质纤维束;8例Ⅱ~Ⅲ级星形细胞瘤侵润脑白质;10例Ⅲ~Ⅳ级星形细胞瘤破坏相邻脑白质纤维束。DTI图可以清晰显示运动区锥体束形态变化及与肿瘤之间的关系,在此基础上指导手术,效果满意。结论磁共振DTI技术联合fMRI是目前唯一在活体无创、三维清晰星形细胞瘤与周围白质纤维束的关系,由于二者的联合应用不仅能够显示大脑重要功能激活区在病理情况下的移位和改变,同时还能显示肿瘤与重要功能区和白质纤维束结构的关系,具有重要意义。     

DTI多参数值及DTT技术在颅内肿瘤中的应用研究

目的 探讨MR扩散张量成像(DTI)多参数值在脑肿瘤中的诊断和鉴别诊断价值;评价扩散张量纤维柬成像(DTT)在显示脑肿瘤与周围脑白质纤维束关系中的应用.资料与方法 搜集经手术病理证实的星形细胞瘤(低级别、高级别)、脑膜瘤、转移瘤患者资料(低级别星形细胞瘤15例,高级别星形细胞瘤18例,脑膜瘤16例,转移瘤10例)共59例.行常规T_1WI、T_2WI、增强T_1WI及DTI.测量病灶肿瘤实质区、瘤周水肿区、囊变坏死区、水肿邻近正常白质区及对侧正常白质区的平均扩散系数(DCavg)值、部分各向异性分数(FA)值、1-容积比(1-VR)值及相对各向异性(RA)值,分析各测量值在肿瘤的诊断及良恶性鉴别诊断中的作用.利用DTI数据进行DTT重组病变周围脑白质纤维束,观察肿瘤与脑白质纤维束的关系.结果 低级别星形细胞瘤、高级别星形细胞瘤、脑膜瘤及转移瘤的肿瘤实体、瘤周水肿区的FA值、1-VR值及RA值差异均具有统计学意义(P<0.05);对侧正常白质区DCavg值、FA值、1-VR值及RA值差异均具有统计学意义(P<0.5).FA图、FA彩色编码图、DTT图均能显示脑白质纤维受累情况,而常规MRI难以显示;脑白质纤维束与脑肿瘤的位置关系可分为四型,即推挤型、水肿型、浸润型和破坏型.低级别星形细胞瘤及脑膜瘤良性肿瘤周围的白质纤维束多呈推挤水肿改变,而高级别星形细胞瘤及转移瘤恶性肿瘤周围的白质纤维束多表现为以浸润破坏为主.结论 DTI较常规MRI能更确切、直观地显示脑内肿瘤与周围脑白质的关系,结合FA值、1-VR值及RA值能为肿瘤的诊断及鉴别诊断提供更多的依据;DTT可以为临床提供更多的肿瘤及其周围白质纤维束的信息,指导术前计划的制定和术后的评估.     

DSA功能性参数的提取与利用

本文介绍了在临床实际中利用功能性参数，对冠状动脉ＤＳＡ心肌血流灌注成像、冠状动脉血流量测定、左心室功能测定、肺动脉高压程度的评价等项目研究结果。重点讨论了提取ＤＳＡ功能性参数的一般方法，认为功能性参数在现代影像诊断学中的作用是对疾病做出程度、定量、动态及功能诊断。     

Fast imaging of phosphocreatine in the normal human myocardium using a three-dimensional RARE pulse sequence at 4 Tesla

PURPOSE: To investigate the use of a three-dimensional rapid acquisition with relaxation enhancement (RARE) pulse sequence for direct acquisition of phosphocreatine (PCr) images of the human myocardium. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A short elliptical birdcage radiofrequency (RF) body coil was constructed to produce a uniform flip angle throughout the chest cavity. In vivo images using a spectrally-selective RARE sequence with a spatial resolution of 1.2 cm x 1.2 cm x 2.5 cm (4 cm(3)) were acquired in nine minutes and 40 seconds. RESULTS: Scans of phantoms demonstrated excellent spectral selectivity. The signal-to-noise ratio in the myocardium ranged from 12.6 in the anterior wall to 5.3 in the mid septum. CONCLUSION: This study demonstrates that PCr data can be acquired using a three-dimensional RARE sequence with greater spatial and temporal resolution than spectroscopic techniques.     

Current Status of Optical Imaging for Evaluating Lymph Nodes and Lymphatic System

Optical imaging techniques use visual and near infrared rays. Despite their considerably poor penetration depth, they are widely used due to their safe and intuitive properties and potential for intraoperative usage. Optical imaging techniques have been actively investigated for clinical imaging of lymph nodes and lymphatic system. This article summarizes a variety of optical tracers and techniques used for lymph node and lymphatic imaging, and reviews their clinical applications. Emerging new optical imaging techniques and their potential are also described.     

Molecular imaging of the lungs

An emerging suite of new imaging techniques offer the ability to monitor and quantify molecular and cellular processes in the lungs noninvasively. These techniques take advantage of dramatic advances in both imaging technology as well as molecular and cell biology. Molecular imaging is being used with increasing regularity in research protocols, and forms of molecular imaging have found their way into the patient care setting (eg, positron emission tomography imaging in cancer). Such techniques will afford the basic scientist as well as the clinician an unprecedented opportunity for in vivo study of the lung biology that drives normal pulmonary physiology as well as pathophysiology.     

Molecular imaging programs in the United States: results of a national survey

RATIONALE AND OBJECTIVES: We sought to identify and describe the characteristics of molecular imaging (MI) programs in the United States and to determine the factors considered critical for their future. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In a cross-sectional study, a validated survey was sent to members of the Society of Chairmen in Academic Radiology Departments (SCARD) in the United States, and 26 variables were studied. RESULTS: The response rate was 40.3%; 67.9% of the departments surveyed have an MI program. The main focus of 47.4% of departments is oncology. The number of radiologists working for the department was the only variable found to be significantly positively correlated with (1) number of researchers in the MI program, (2) number of MI modalities available, (3) total number of grants, and (4) having ongoing MI clinical trials. These four variables plus the number of federal grants and the space used by MI programs were independent of the geographical region, hospital size (number of beds), and department size (number of radiological examinations per year). All the MI programs received grants during 2005. Only 16.1% have no alliances with industry. Among all the departments, 82% identified staff training and recruitment as the keys for success; 78.57% considered oncology the most important future application of MI and cancer management the hospital service most affected by MI. CONCLUSION: MI programs are starting to be more widespread throughout the United States, and the trend is for more academic radiology departments to become engaged in MI activities; their development is independent of department characteristics. Radiology departments strongly agreed about the key components for success of MI initiatives and the areas that will be most affected by MI applications.     

Dynamic bioluminescence imaging for quantitative tumour burden assessment using IV or IP administration of <Emphasis Type="SmallCaps">d</Emphasis>-luciferin: effect on intensity,time kinetics and repeatability of photon emission

Introduction In vivo bioluminescence imaging (BLI) is a promising technique for non-invasive tumour imaging. d-luciferin can be administrated intraperitonealy or intravenously. This will influence its availability and, therefore, the bioluminescent signal. The aim of this study is to compare the repeatability of BLI measurement after IV versus IP administration of d-luciferin and assess the correlation between photon emission and histological cell count both in vitro and in vivo. Materials and methods Fluc-positive R1M cells were subcutaneously inoculated in nu/nu mice. Dynamic BLI was performed after IV or IP administration of d-luciferin. Maximal photon emission (PE_max) was calculated. For repeatability assessment, every acquisition was repeated after 4 h and analysed using Bland–Altman method. A second group of animals was serially imaged, alternating IV and IP administration up to 21 days. When mice were killed, PE_max after IV administration was correlated with histological cell number. Results The coefficients of repeatability were 80.2% (IV) versus 95.0% (IP). Time-to-peak is shorter, and its variance lower for IV (p < 0.0001). PE_max was 5.6 times higher for IV. A trend was observed towards lower photon emission per cell in larger tumours. Conclusion IV administration offers better repeatability and better sensitivity when compared to IP. In larger tumours, multiple factors may contribute to underestimation of tumour burden. It might, therefore, be beneficial to test novel therapeutics on small tumours to enable an accurate evaluation of tumour burden. Marleen Keyaerts is a Ph. D. fellow of the Research Foundation—Flanders (Belgium; FWO).     

Phase insensitive preparation of single-shot RARE: Application to diffusion imaging in humans

Although RARE and GRASE can produce single-shot images of excellent quality, their utility has been restricted because preparation of the magnetization with interesting contrast before imaging can cause severe artifacts. These artifacts relate to the strong sensitivity of multiple spin echo sequences to the phase of the prepared magnetization. Modifications of the RARE sequence to eliminate these artifacts are discussed, and an approach that eliminates the artifact producing signals from the very first echo is presented. The approach is applied to diffusion imaging of the human brain in normal volunteers and one patient.     

Head and neck imaging: the role of CT and MRI

High-resolution computed tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) have become indispensable tools for the evaluation of conditions involving the head and neck. Complex anatomic structures and regions, such as the orbit, skull base, paranasal sinuses, deep spaces of the neck, larynx, and lymph nodes, require that the radiologist be familiar with the imaging modalities available and their appropriate applications. The purpose of this article is to review the techniques of CT and MRI and the roles they play in clinical practice, including head and neck disorders.     

CAIPIRINHA-Dixon-TWIST (CDT)-volume-interpolated breath-hold examination (VIBE) for dynamic liver imaging: Comparison of gadoterate meglumine,gadobutrol and gadoxetic acid

Purpose

CAIPIRINHA-Dixon-TWIST (CDT)-VIBE is a robust method for abdominal magnetic resonance imaging providing both high spatial and high temporal resolution. The purpose of this study was to examine the influence of different gadolinium based contrast agents (GBCA) on image quality (IQ) with CDT-VIBE.

Materials and methods

In this IRB-approved, retrospective, inter-individual comparison study, 86 patients scanned at 3T were included. Within 28 s, 14 high-resolution 3D datasets were acquired using CDT-VIBE. 37 patients received 0.1 mmol/kg gadoterate meglumine, 28 patients 0.1 mmol/kg gadobutrol, and 19 patients 0.1 mL/kg gadoxetic acid. Two blinded, board-certified radiologists assessed the image quality on a 5 point scale, as well as the number of hepatic arterial dominant (HAD) phases.

Results

Regardless of the GBCA utilized, CDT-VIBE resulted in good IQ in terms of best IQ achieved among all 14 datasets (gadobutrol 4.3, gadoterate meglumine 3.9, gadoxetic acid 3.7). With respect to worst IQ, the three groups showed statistically significant differences with gadobutrol receiving the highest rating (3.6) and gadoxetic acid the lowest (2.4) (gadoterate meglumine 3.0; 0.0014 < p < 0.0485). No statistically significant differences were found in the mean number of acquired HAD phases (gadobutrol 3.4, gadoterate meglumine 3.9, gadoxetic acid 3.1; 0.18 < p < 0.57).

Conclusion

Different gadolinium-based contrast agents can be utilized for dynamic liver imaging with CDT-VIBE resulting in good image quality.     

A Velocity k-Space Analysis of Flow Effects in Echo-Planar and Spiral Imaging

A velocity k-space formalism facilitates the analysis of flow effects for imaging sequences involving time-varying gradients such as echo-planar and spiral. For each sequence, the velocity k-space trajectory can be represented by k_v (k)_r; that is, its velocity-frequency (k_r) position as a function of spatial-frequency (k_r) position. In an echo-planar sequence, k_r is discontinuous and asymmetric. However, in a spiral sequence, k_r is smoothly varying, circularly symmetric, and small near the k_r origin. To compare the effects of these trajectory differences, simulated images were generated by computing the k-space values for an in-plane vessel with parabolic flow. Whereas the resulting echo-planar images demonstrate distortions and ghosting that depend on the vessel orientation, the spiral images exhibit minimal artifacts.